Creamy Garlic Chicken

The Ultimate Comfort Food for Busy Weeknights

Creamy Garlic Chicken is one of those timeless recipes that never goes out of style. Rich, cozy, and deeply satisfying, this dish brings together tender pan-seared chicken and a silky garlic cream sauce that tastes like something you would order at a restaurant—but is surprisingly easy to make at home. Whether you are cooking for your family, hosting guests, or simply craving a comforting dinner after a long day, Creamy Garlic Chicken delivers big flavor with minimal effort.

What makes this Creamy Garlic Chicken truly special is the balance. The garlic is bold but not overpowering, the cream is indulgent yet smooth, and the chicken remains juicy and perfectly cooked. Best of all, everything comes together in a single skillet, making this recipe ideal for busy weeknights when you want maximum flavor without a sink full of dishes.

If you love garlic-forward dishes and creamy sauces that coat every bite, this Creamy Garlic Chicken recipe will quickly earn a permanent spot in your dinner rotation.

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Why Creamy Garlic Chicken Is a Must-Try Recipe

There are countless chicken recipes out there, but Creamy Garlic Chicken stands out for several reasons:

• Comforting and satisfying without being complicated

• Made with simple pantry ingredients you likely already have

• Versatile enough to serve with pasta, rice, or vegetables

• One-pan recipe for easy cleanup

• Perfect balance of garlic and cream without heaviness

This is the kind of recipe that feels indulgent yet approachable. You do not need special cooking skills or fancy equipment—just a skillet, quality ingredients, and about 40 minutes.

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What Makes This Creamy Garlic Chicken So Good?

The secret to exceptional Creamy Garlic Chicken lies in layering flavors correctly. First, the chicken is lightly floured and pan-seared until golden, creating a flavorful crust. Those browned bits left behind in the pan become the foundation of the sauce. Then, whole smashed garlic cloves are gently sautéed in butter, releasing a sweet, mellow garlic flavor without bitterness.

The sauce itself is a luxurious blend of chicken broth and heavy cream, simmered slowly until thick and velvety. Garlic powder enhances the depth without overpowering the fresh garlic, while simple seasoning allows the chicken to shine.

The result is a Creamy Garlic Chicken that tastes rich, balanced, and incredibly comforting.

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Recipe Details

Recipe Name: Creamy Garlic Chicken
Cuisine: American
Method: Stovetop
Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

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Ingredients for Creamy Garlic Chicken

Here is everything you need to make this rich and flavorful Creamy Garlic Chicken:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.3 lb total), sliced into thin cutlets

• ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ¼ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper

• ¼ cup all-purpose flour

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 2 tablespoons butter, divided

• 1 whole garlic bulb (8–9 cloves), peeled and lightly smashed

• 1 cup chicken broth

• ¾ cup heavy cream

• ½ teaspoon garlic powder

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

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Ingredient Notes and Tips

Chicken

Thin chicken cutlets cook quickly and evenly, which is essential for juicy Creamy Garlic Chicken. You can slice the chicken breasts yourself or buy pre-sliced cutlets.

Garlic

Using whole smashed cloves instead of minced garlic gives the sauce a softer, sweeter garlic flavor. This prevents bitterness and allows the garlic to infuse the cream gently.

Heavy Cream

Heavy cream is key for a rich, stable sauce. Lighter dairy options can curdle or thin out under heat.

Flour

A light coating of flour helps the chicken brown beautifully and also contributes to thickening the sauce later.

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Step-by-Step Instructions for Creamy Garlic Chicken

Step 1: Season and Dredge the Chicken

Season the chicken cutlets on both sides with Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Lightly coat each piece with flour, shaking off any excess. This step ensures a golden crust and helps the sauce cling to the chicken later.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter. Once hot, add the chicken cutlets in a single layer. Cook for about 4 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken to a plate and keep warm.

Step 3: Sauté the Garlic

Reduce the heat to medium-low. Add the remaining tablespoon of butter and the smashed garlic cloves to the skillet. Sauté gently for about 3 minutes, stirring often, until fragrant and lightly golden. Do not rush this step—burnt garlic will make the sauce bitter.

Step 4: Build the Creamy Garlic Sauce

Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, then add garlic powder. Stir well, scraping up all the browned bits from the bottom of the pan. These bits add incredible depth to the Creamy Garlic Chicken sauce.

Step 5: Simmer and Thicken

Let the sauce simmer gently for 8–10 minutes, until reduced and thickened by about half. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

Step 6: Return the Chicken

Place the chicken back into the skillet and spoon the sauce over the top. Let everything heat through for 2–3 minutes so the chicken absorbs the creamy garlic flavors.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Garnish with fresh chopped parsley if desired. Serve your Creamy Garlic Chicken warm over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes.

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Tips for the Best Creamy Garlic Chicken

• Do not rush the garlic. Keep the heat low to avoid bitterness.

• Use a wide skillet to prevent overcrowding the chicken.

• Taste the sauce before serving and adjust seasoning as needed.

• Let the sauce reduce naturally—this improves flavor and texture.

• Rest the chicken briefly before serving to keep it juicy.

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Creamy Garlic Chicken Variations

One of the best things about Creamy Garlic Chicken is how easy it is to customize:

Chicken Thighs Version

Swap chicken breasts for boneless, skinless chicken thighs. They stay extra juicy and add richness to the dish.

Mushroom Creamy Garlic Chicken

Add sliced mushrooms after sautéing the garlic. Cook until golden, then proceed with the sauce.

Spinach Creamy Garlic Chicken

Stir fresh spinach into the sauce just before returning the chicken for a pop of color and added nutrients.

Parmesan Creamy Garlic Chicken

Add ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese to the sauce for extra depth and a slightly thicker texture.

Lemon Garlic Creamy Chicken

Finish the sauce with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to brighten the flavors.

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What to Serve with Creamy Garlic Chicken

This dish pairs beautifully with many sides:

• Steamed white rice or buttered rice

• Creamy mashed potatoes

• Fettuccine or linguine

• Roasted vegetables

• Garlic bread or crusty bread

• Simple green salad

The sauce is so good that you will want something to soak up every drop.

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Storage and Reheating

Storing

Store leftover Creamy Garlic Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave at reduced power. Add a splash of chicken broth or cream if the sauce thickens too much.

Freezing

Cream-based sauces do not freeze well, as they can separate. For best texture, enjoy this dish fresh or refrigerated.

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Nutrition Information (Approximate per Serving)

• Calories: 518 kcal

• Protein: 34 g

• Fat: 38 g

• Carbohydrates: 9 g

• Fiber: 0.4 g

• Sodium: 741 mg